St. Thomas
Things To Know Before You Go
« DON’T FORGET to BRING PROOF of CITIZENSHIP! »
Everyone departing the United States Virgin Islands, including a U.S. Citizen, is now required by U.S. Immigration to show either a valid passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID. The islands are a “port of entry” to the U.S. mainland – so please don’t forget these for the whole family. You also need them if you plan to visit any of the British Virgin Islands during your stay, even if it is just a day trip.
Your escort will give you lots of island information, a map and directions on arrival, and you’ll also receive copies of local tourist publications as invaluable resources of information for you: ferry schedules, taxi fares, restaurant information, church services, water sports, and all sorts of activities on St. Thomas. The local phone book in your villa also contains a section of island information for you.
There is a black 3-ring notebook, “Best of the Best, St. Thomas ” in your villa, which contains restaurant menus, information, and brochures of our pick of water-sports and not-to-be-missed island activities.You can also call or email BEFORE you arrive on St. Thomas to make advance reservations, as many boats, chefs, massage people, etc. are booked weeks ahead.
Beaches: Our most treasured assets! St. Thomas has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our favorites include Sapphire, Magens Bay , Coki Beach , Secret Harbour and Morningstar at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort, and there are many others to explore. All beaches in the USVI are deemed public, so you may walk through any hotel lobby or via any access to get your toes into the soft white sand. Water sports, chaise lounge rentals, lunch and refreshments are offered at many beaches. Magens Bay Beach requires an admission fee of $2 per car, $4 per adult + 25 cents for each child under 12 years — you may bring a cooler or a picnic to Magens only (not to other beaches ); however, glass items are never permitted on the beach. Nudity is prohibited everywhere in the USVI.
Caribbean Manners : You will be rubbing shoulders with a different culture here, rich with traditions and pride. To get a friendly smile from a St. Thomian, please remember to begin all conversations with a “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon” or “Good Night.” West Indians consider this to be a sign of respect and will appreciate your gesture.
CHEFs: Allow one of our very talented and experienced chefs to treat you to an effortless evening of fantastic dining in the privacy of your own villa (great for families with smaller children). Requests for a chef must be made well in advance of your arrival to allow for scheduling, menu preparation, and shopping. Chefs’ prices will vary; charges for grocery shopping, set-up and cleanup are generally included in the chef’s rate. We promise that it will be a memorable evening, well spent! Catering companies with ready-to-heat cuisine are also available as another alternative to cooking.
Day Trips: T ake advantage of our proximity to many diversified islands! By ferry, helicopter, seaplane or airplane, islands such as St. John , the British Virgins, St. Croix , Puerto Rico and other “down-island” destinations are feasible day trips. « All travelers of all ages, including Americans, will need a valid passport to enter non-U.S. islands such as Tortola , and to re-enter the U.S.A. A government-issued photo ID is required to board all ferries to and from St. John . « Please consult your local tourist publications for up-to-date transportation schedules and rates.
Dress Codes: Our islands are exceptionally informal when it comes to dress code standards. Gentlemen may leave their neckties behind! For upscale restaurants, lightweight slacks with a tropical shirt (with sleeves) are perfect for evenings out. For ladies, “casual elegance” is the key. For all other dining, there are very few guidelines; shorts are generally fine. However, it’s not at all acceptable to go barefoot, shirtless, or dressed too provocatively (such as wearing just a bikini bathing suit top without a cover up) in any public areas other than on a beach…this is considered insultingly bad manners by our more conservative local hosts.
Driving on St. Thomas : For maximum freedom and enjoyment, please, please rent a car. St. Thomas does not have house or street addresses, making it impossible for you to tell a taxi dispatcher how to find your secluded villa. Having your own car allows you to hop in on a whim and go anywhere, and you’ll see much more of the island this way. Your foreign or U.S. driver’s license is valid here for 90 days, and we drive on the left here — another adventure! All major roads on St. Thomas are numbered, and free maps are available everywhere. Our island is so small that if you get lost, just turn around and go back the way you came, or ask - we locals can give you good directions if you just tell us your ultimate destination.
Duty Free Allowances: Americans returning to the U.S. from St. Thomas may carry up to $1600 in duty-free items: a family of 4 can take $6400 in duty-free items. In addition, you may bring home up to 5 one-liter bottles of liquor per adult, as long as 1 bottle is either Cruzan Rum, Chococo, or Southern Comfort, all of which are made in the U.S.V.I. (See also LIQUOR & CIGARS, next page). Loose precious gems (diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires) and fine art are completely duty free, no matter what the cost. However, if you have the mounting and the stone in your possession, Customs will charge you duty on the stone because your loose stone is intended for jewelry. You also have a duty free allowance of 5 cartons (1000) of cigarettes and 100 cigars.
Golf : Mahogany Run Golf Course is situated on the dramatic coastline of St. Thomas ’s north side, Road 42 East. This 18-hole championship course boasts spectacular views and very challenging play. Reservations for tee times are accepted only within 48 hours of your golfing date. To reserve, please call the Pro Shop at (340) 777-6006, open daily.
Groceries : Our villas are not rented stocked with food or drink. So, please LET US DELIVER GROCERIES TO YOUR VILLA ! With at least one week’s advance notice, Grocery Goddesses will pre-stock your villa with food and beverages of your choice just before you arrive. This is a wonderful and highly-recommended vacation service, especially if you are traveling with small children or arriving on island late in the afternoon. Please consider using this service; it will save you rushing out to the grocery store with an island map in hand as soon as you arrive, before you get to know your way around.
If you do not order groceries to be pre-stocked in your villa before your arrival, you’ll need to make an initial trip to one of our major grocery stores as soon as you arrive (your escort will give you directions to drive there from your villa). After you arrive, we suggest that you get settled into your villa, change your clothes, and look all around the kitchen to assess what you need before making your grocery run (you may find non-perishables left intentionally in the kitchen by the housekeeper, which will give you a head start).
Laundry: Most of our villas have a washer and dryer for your use. Help yourselves, but please remember: Help conserve precious water by using your villa towels more than once, and only running a complete load of wash (this goes for the dishwasher too)!
Liquor & Cigars: We suggest that you buy your duty-free liquor at K-Mart, Price Smart, Cost-U-Less, or at any of the major supermarkets for the best prices. Stores also sell sturdy carry-on liquor boxes at checkout (but don’t tape them up — they’ll be inspected at the airport). A.H. Riise on Main Street in town also offers an incredible array of every spirit imaginable, collectors’ bottles, and a good choice of cigars. Cuban cigars are not sold here, and are considered contraband by U.S. Customs – this is America ! (Also see Duty Free Allowances on Page 3 for more information.)
« MAID SERVICES AND CLEANING: All of our villas are cleaned and prepared before your arrival. Most of our larger villas have maid service included in their rates, which is a “hotel-type” clean-up (changing bed linen if requested, cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, etc., but no personal services such as cooking, laundry, babysitting, etc.). After you depart, the housekeepers will clean the villa and launder the sheets and towels.
MASSAGE: To truly pamper yourself in Paradise , a poolside massage in the comfort and privacy of your own villa can be scheduled with one of our licensed and certified professionals (both men and women available). Please phone or email well in advance for a convenient appointment.
NIGHTLIFE: Dancing, live music, shows and special events come and go on St. Thomas . For the most current information about visiting bands and local entertainment, please refer to the Entertainment Guide in St. Thomas-St. John This Week , or either of our local newspapers, The Daily News (its “Weekend” insert comes out every Friday) or The Island Trader (available every Thursday – it’s free). You may also go online to www.virginislandtimes.com , for current information. Some of the larger resort hotels offer special Caribbean dinners and shows during the winter months; please call them directly for current schedules. There are early- and late-night spots for live jazz, cocktails, karaoke, or dancing: live music at Jack’s Wings at Tillett Gardens, Paradise Point (the Tramway), Offshore Bar (Havensight), Cabana Bar at Bluebeard’s Hotel, The Greenhouse in town, and karaoke and live music at Iggie’s at Bolongo Bay; there are also open jazz sessions at Tavern on the Waterfront on Friday nights. In Sub Base, Tickles offers live music. The East End can also be a lively spot at night - check out Duffy’s Love Shack for late-night partying. Some restaurants and local hotels feature live music — see our Island Dining guide below, or just call the location for all current schedules and details.
REAL ESTATE: McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas is also a real estate brokerage company on St. Thomas . If you’d like information about buying property in the U.S.V.I., please call Nancy Anderson ( (340) 690-3073). A licensed broker, she and other expert brokers with whom she works can help provide you with answers and opportunities.
TELEPHONE CALLS: Dial 00 to make all long distance calls. Please USE YOUR CREDIT CARD or calling card! Phone calls are free of charge between St. Thomas , St. John and St. Croix , but are quite costly between the U.S.V.I. and all other Caribbean islands.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?: Our villas’ cistern water is filtered before it comes out of the faucets, and we’ve never had anyone become ill by drinking from the tap. If you’re at all wary or have a jumpy stomach, you may prefer to buy bottled water at the grocery store for drinking, brushing teeth and to make ice.
å ISLAND DINING ä
► AN ELEGANT EVENING OUT ... Reservations required, as is elegantly casual attire (no shorts, T-shirts, or bare midriffs, etc .) A lways call to confirm seasonal schedules for live music.
● AGAVE TERRACE( 775-4142) Open daily, dinner only , 6-10 pm (last seating is at 9 pm .)
Menu: Features fresh-catch local fish cooked to your order, superb seafood specials, a fabulous house salad, and a variety of gourmet entrees and sumptuous desserts. Location: Point Pleasant Resort, overlooking the BVI. On Road 38, going east, just before Wyndham Sugar Bay Hotel; if traveling from the east, it’s just after Wyndham Sugar Bay . Entertainment: Tuesdays & Thursdays, steel pan.
● BANANA TREE GRILLE (776-4050) Open Tuesday-Sunday, dinner only, 6-10 pm . Menu: Excellent traditional and contemporary fare: fresh seafood, Italian and Caribbean specialties, all with a fabulous harbor view! Location: Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel on Bluebeard’s Hill, just east of town.
● Craig and Sally’s (777-9949) Dinner Wednesday-Sunday, 5:30-10 pm ; lunch Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm . Menu: Passionate cuisine created by Sally and crew; the largest selection of fine wines on the island, many by the glass. A favorite with locals; its creative cuisine and extensive menu which changes daily never disappoint! Extremely popular and booked up, so always call for advance reservations. Location: Frenchtown, air-conditioned, with scenic murals and a tented ceiling.
● HAVANA BLUE (715-2583) Dinner nightly, 5:30-10:30 pm . Menu: Amazing Latin fusion, where exotic Cuban flavors meet the Pacific Rim . A great variety of really exceptional dishes and lots of fresh- daily seafood – fantastic cuisine! A spacious and stylish open-air restaurant offering intimate beachfront dining, lounge music and a popular bar where the beautiful people gather. Daily cocktail hour starts at 5:30 pm with creative drink specials – watch the cruise ships set sail from the harbor at sunset.
Location: South of Havensight, at the very end of Road 315. Upstairs on the upper level of the Morningstar Beach pavilion, just below the main Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel. Most times there is plenty of parking.
● Hervé (777-9703) Dinner nightly, 6-10 pm ; Lunch Monday-Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm . Menu: Excellent wines, fish, lamb and game specials; Hervéprovides a blend of French & Caribbean fare. Location: On historic Government Hill above town and the harbor, in an air-conditioned, sophisticated setting. The Patio, open 5 – 9:30 pm nightly , offers lighter fare: salads and sandwiches.
● OCEANA (774-4262) Dinner nightly, 5:30-9:30 pm (Friday + Saturday ‘til 10 pm ); wine bar open 5-11+ pm. Menu: Innovative global seafood cuisine with an appetizer-tasting table, all by renowned Chef Patricia LaCorte. Island elegance right on the water with sunset views, in historic Villa Olga (formerly the 19 th-century Russian Embassy). Location: Frenchtown, go left at Craig & Sally’s.
● Old Stone Farmhouse (777-6277) Dinner nightly, 6:00-10:00 pm . Menu: Sumptuous first-class menuinspired from locales around the world and a wine list of over 200 selections, plus an in-house bakery and pastries. An elegant setting; half is air-conditioned and half is not. Location: Historic fieldstone building within Mahogany Run Tennis Village , north side on Road 42 East (near the golf course).
● Romano’s (775-0045) Open Monday-Saturday, dinner only, 6:00-10:30 pm . Menu: Fantastic upscale Northern Italian dining in a refined, cozy setting; superb service & a tiny intimate bar. Very popular, so advance reservations are recommended. Location: Off Smith Bay (Road 38), on Road 388 to Coral World. Air-conditioned, with original Caribbean art for sale by owner and Chef Tony Romano.
● Room With A VIEW ( 774-2377) Open Monday-Saturday, dinner only, with late night menu 5:00-11:30 pm .
Menu: Traditional and varied menu, with fresh seafood, chicken, steak, pasta and flambéed tropical desserts. Winner of the Wine Spectator award for its excellent selection of value-priced wines. In an air-conditioned, cozy setting with a memorable view of town and our harbor. Enjoy the sunset and the lights of downtown and beyond; very romantic. Location: At Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel, on Bluebeard’s Hill, just east of town on Road 314.
► A BIT MORE CASUAL, BUT STILL FANTASTIC...
● BELLA BLU (774-4349) Open Monday-Saturday: serving lunch and dinner continuously from 11:30 am - 10 pm. Menu: Mediterranean tapas, seafood, salads, pizza & homemade desserts in a sleek, modern air-conditioned setting. Paintings by local artists on display. Location: Frenchtown (on the western end of Charlotte Amalie , going west towards the airport on Road 30).
● EAST END CAFÉ (715-1442) Lunch +Dinner Monday-Saturday, lunch 11 am–4 pm and dinner 4-10 pm; dinner only Sundays,5-10 pm, and brunch on Saturdays, 11 am-2 pm.Menu: Authentic Italian cuisine: fresh seafood specials and an excellent variety of pastas, steaks, veal, chicken and specialty martinis. Location: On the main road (Road 38) in Red Hook, about two blocks south of the ferry dock; located in the next building after the American Yacht Harbor shops. Air-conditioned with a cozy old-world Italian décor.
● INDIGO (776-0474) Open daily for lunch + dinner, 11 am-10 pm (light bar menu is also available evenings). Happy Hour 4-6 pm. Menu: Amazing food served alfresco, poolside. Delicious American fusion, including filet mignon, sea bass, salmon and pasta. Entertainment varies; please call for current schedule. Location: At Magens Point Hotel, with plenty of parking (near Peterborg + Udder Delight at the junction of Roads 35 + 42 East.)
● LOTUS (774-7253) Open nightly for dinner from 4 – 10:30 pm. Menu: East meets West meets the Caribbean . Creative Pan-Asian cuisine and cutting-edge nouveau sushi. Unique drink specials and late-night lounge with DJ on Friday nights from 10 pm – 2 am .
● nosh (AT Old Stone Farmhouse) (777-6277) Dinner nightly, 5-10 pm (Friday + Saturday ‘til 11 pm ); Menu: Tapas-style, gourmet light fare (non-Spanish), set in the beautiful courtyard of the Old Stone Farmhouse.
● Randy’s Bistro (777-3199) Open Monday–Friday for lunch, 11 am-5 pm ; Monday–Saturday for dinner, 5:00-11 pm .
Menu: Eclectic menu offering light fare to delectable full meals, something for everybody in a relaxed, air-conditioned setting. Fresh fish and meats, and a very well-priced selection of wines. Dine in either the Bistro with its popular bar, or in the Wine Cellar, where there’s also a deli. Location: In Al Cohen’s Plaza, on Rhymer Highway just east of Raphune Hill (on Road 38, east of town).
► CASUAL ALTERNATIVES... shorts and T-shirts are just fine here !
● Cuzzin’s (777-4711) Lunch Monday-Saturday, 11 am-5 pm. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, 6-9:00 pm .
Menu: Popular Caribbean café; fresh fish, conch, lobster, stews, and West Indian regional dishes prepared by local chefs. Great frozen tropical drinks, fabulous johnnycake, in an air-conditioned historic building. Takes a while to be served, so not if you’re in a rush, but it’s the best West Indian food on the island. Location: Downtown Charlotte Amalie , on Back Street (north of Main Street ).
● DEANO’S (774-6800) Open for dinner Monday–Saturday, 5–10 pm. Menu: Inexpensive but excellent Italian-American fare. Hand-rolled pizza, tasty pastas and world-famous ribs in a cool and casual North side setting. A very popular local dining spot. Location: North side on Road 33 West ( Lionel Pierre Berry Scenic Drive ), going west past the Fire Station and Bryan ’s Plants.
● Duffy’s Love Shack (779-2080) Open Daily: Lunch and dinner from 11:30 am until midnight . Menu : Caribbean flair and tropical grill make the menu interesting and fun – the food is really terrific. Duffy’s is a zany local favorite with goofy exotic drinks, party favors, and very entertaining bartenders. Dancing after 11 pm , and silly theme parties vary nightly. Location: In the parking lot of Red Hook Shopping Plaza , East End, across the street and a bit south from the ferry dock (on Road 38).
● graNDE CRU (775-8278) Open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm , and dinner Monday-Saturday from 5-10 pm . Great wine and champagne by the glass, or try their unique infused martinis. Serving lighter dining alternatives: enjoy an antipasto with handcrafted artisan bread, an elegant salad or some savory Mediterranean tapas . Location: at Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight.
● Hook Line and Sinker (776-9708) Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch + dinner ( 7 am-11 pm ). Sunday Brunch served 10 am-2:30 pm . Menu: Fresh seafood from the fishing fleet right outside their door. Local Caribbean lobster, tuna, snapper and their signature dish, Almond Crusted Yellowtail. Pastas, steaks and chicken dishes offered, too. Children’s menu available. Location: in Frenchtown, right on the water; open air locale with a view of town and cool sea breeze blowing through.
● M AHOGANY RUN GRILL ROOM (777-6250 x 1241) Open daily for lunch + early dinner (Saturday-Monday 11:30 am -7 pm ; Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am-9 pm ). Menu: Sandwiches, salads + delicious daily specials in a casual air-conditioned setting - or sit outside on the patio. Watch the game on the Grill Room’s TVs. Location: In the Clubhouse at Mahogany Run Golf Course, on Road 42.
● Molly Malone’s (775-1270) Open daily for breakfast 7-11 am; lunch and dinner 11 am-11 pm (dinner served ‘til midnight on Friday + Saturday only); Brunch served Saturday + Sunday from 7 am-2 pm.Menu: Traditional Irish fare and American favorites served in a casual outdoor ambience right next to yachts at the dock; tame iguanas often hang around to watch the customers eat. Location: On the water at American Yacht Harbor , Red Hook (Road 38).
● NORTH DROP (775-5098) Formerly known as Bryan ’s Bar. Open nightly for dinner Tuesday-Sunday, 5-10 pm ; Menu: Local fish and lobster caught daily, salads, pastas, poultry, ribs, steaks, nightly specials and homemade desserts. Enjoy the sunset on the deck overlooking Hull Bay . Location: Northside on Hull Bay Road , (Road 37).
● Tickles (776-1595) Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 am-10:30 pm . Bar stays open ‘til midnight .
Menu: Salads, burgers, and fresh fish in a casual harbor-side setting. Kids’ menu available; specialty drinks offered at the bar.
Location: Crown Bay Marina , south of town, in Sub Base (Road 304). On the dock next door to Gourmet Gallery, with a view of the million-dollar private yachts in the Marina . Entertainment: Various artists (call for lineup), and open-mic night on Wednesdays.
● wIKKED (775-8953) Open for lunch + dinner, Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm, Friday 11 am-10 pm, Saturday brunch 8 am-2pm, lunch + dinner until 10 pm, Sunday brunch 8 am-2pm, lunch + dinner until 9 pm. Happy Hour Wed + Fri, 6-9 pm. Menu: Famous mojitos and margaritas for lunch and dinner compliment the range of menu options. Enjoy a variety of appetizers, salads, and light entrees with a Caribbean flair while watching the sun set in an open-air setting. Location: Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight.
FUN IN THE SUN! $
(PLEASE — RESERVE SERVICES WELL IN ADVANCE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!)
The black notebook in your villa labeled “The Best of the Best-St. Thomas” contains information on various activities and water sports, which we are ready to book for you during your stay. Please email Angela St. Hilaire, our dedicated Guest Concierge ( angela@mclaughlinanderson.com ), or call her at (866) 449-8855 (weekdays), or (305) 474-0111, for complete information and to prearrange days and times—please book early! Here are a few recommendations for some great times, so you can get into the swim of things and enjoy our beautiful islands, sights and waters:
● ATLANTIS SUBMARINE : Take an underwater excursion to nearby Buck Island . See fish and marine wildlife in the open ocean as your submarine crew navigates along a live coral reef 90 feet below, and a diver feeds the denizens of the deep!
● BICYCLING : Rent a bike with Water Island Adventures and explore the new 4 th Virgin Island ! Water Island sits just south of our harbor and was home to the site of the hotel believed to have inspired Herman Wouk’s Don’t Stop the Carnival.
● BOATING : Rent a powerboat on the East End . You’ll find a wide variety of powerboats, from small 22’ Makos to large, luxurious and fast Scarabs, fully equipped with bimini tops, VHF radios, charts, ice chest and more. You can captain your boat yourself, or you can hire an experienced captain for the day. Explore nearby islands, tan, swim and snorkel.
● CORAL WORLD : Visit this unique marine park with an underwater observatory, huge shark tank, saltwater pools, “touch pools” for children, 21 beautiful aquariums, shops and snack bars.
● DAY TRIPS : Take a trip to St. John or to the British Virgin Islands via public ferry. Or take a Seaborne Seaplane or the Fast Ferry to St. Croix for the day. Please refer to St. Thomas-St. John This Week for fares and departure times, or call us for schedules.
● DIVING : PADI 5-star facilities has varied excursions for reef, wreck and night Scuba dives available.
● ECOTOURS : Learn about local ecology and get a little exercise on an excursion with Virgin Islands Ecotours. Guided kayak tours wind through lagoons and mangroves to a private beach on the East End . Take an inflatable boat trip to a deserted island for a nature hike, or hike through an historic sugar mill estate above Magen’s Bay and finish with a cool swim at the beach.
● FISHING TRIPS : Head out to seaon a small or large captained boat for some bottom fishing or deep-sea fishing - compete with the locals for record marlin! Experienced guides know all the good spots, and will provide everything you need.
● GOLFING : Play a round at the challenging Fazio-designed Mahogany Run Golf Course. Test your skills at the “Devil’s Triangle” and take in the many breathtaking views of the ocean and islands beyond. Call the Pro Shop for info and reservations: 777-6006, ext. 1.
● HELICOPTER TOURS : For a spectacular bird’s eye perspective, tour the area’s islands and cays by helicopter. A truly incredible viewing experience of unforgettable natural beauty.
● JET SKIING : Instruction, rentals and tours are available at several beaches here, or ask us to call Ramon, our private jet-ski instructor and expert, for rentals and private ocean tours – what a great way to see the islands!
● PARADISE POINT TRAMWAY : To “ride the view,” take the tramway in Havensite up 700 feet to the top. The round-trip, 15-minute ride provides amazing views for miles, and at the top are shops, a bird show, and a bar on the observation deck.
● PARASAILING : For the heart-stopping experience of sightseeing and hang-gliding all at once, try the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of floating high above the ocean and seeing miles and miles into the blue distance.
● SAIL AWAY FOR THE DAY : Let us book a day sail with drinks and lunch for your group - small intimate group sails and larger, party-type cruises available (half-day, full-day, sunset and dinner cruises offered). Or take an adventurous and exciting day trip through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands waters to the world-famous Baths in Virgin Gorda with the fun crews on New Horizons, Pirate’s Penny or Stormy Petrel – a must see. (Be sure to bring your passport!)
 | Pre-stock your villa with groceries before your arrival through Grocery Goddesses shopping service. |
